Coping strategies in relation to negative work events and accommodations in employed multiple sclerosis patients

• Published in: Multiple sclerosis journal - experimental, translational and clinical Vol. 2; p. 2055217316680638
• Main Authors: van der Hiele, K, van Gorp, DAM, Benedict, RHB, Jongen, PJ, Arnoldus, EPJ, Beenakker, EAC, Bos, HM, van Eijk, JJJ, Fermont, J, Frequin, STFM, van Geel, BM, Hengstman, GJD, Hoitsma, E, Hupperts, RMM, Mostert, JP, Pop, PHM, Verhagen, WIM, Zemel, D, Frndak, SE, Heerings, MAP, Middelkoop, HAM, Visser, LH
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London, England SAGE Publications 01.01.2016; Sage Publications Ltd
• Subjects: Multiple sclerosis; Original; Multiple sclerosis; negative work events; work accommodations; cognition; work; coping
• ISSN: 2055-2173; 2055-2173
• DOI: 10.1177/2055217316680638

Background Job loss is common in multiple sclerosis (MS) and is known to exert a negative effect on quality of life. The process leading up to job loss typically includes negative work events, productivity losses and a need for accommodations. By using active coping strategies job loss may be prevented or delayed. Objective Our goal was to examine negative work events and accommodations in relation to coping strategies in employed relapsing–remitting MS patients. Methods Ninety-seven MS patients (77% females; 21–59 years old) completed questionnaires concerning the patient’s work situation, coping strategies, demographics, physical, psychological and cognitive functioning. Forward binary logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine coping strategies and other (disease) characteristics predictive of reported negative work events and accommodations. Results Nineteen per cent of the employed MS patients reported one or more negative work events, associated with a higher use of emotion-oriented coping and more absenteeism. Seventy-three per cent reported using one or more work accommodations, associated with a higher educational level and more presenteeism. MS patients reporting physical changes to the workplace employed more emotion-oriented coping, while flexible scheduling was associated with task-oriented coping. Conclusion Emotion-oriented and task-oriented coping strategies are associated with negative work events and the use of accommodations.